Phil Ivey has been labeled as the best poker contender in the world by many of the top professionals. Phil was born in Riverside, CA and moved to Jersey before reaching the age of one. His grandfather taught Phil penny-ante 5-Card Stud poker. From that point on, he was hooked on poker and wished to discover anything he could about the game. He would tell his grandparents that he was going to be a professional poker player. Phil didn’t permit the adverse feedback from other people annihilate his dream of becoming one of the strongest poker players in the world.
He began competing intently after acquiring a false ID with the name of Jerome. He sharpened his abilities at the casinos of Atlantic City. The beginning few years for Phil were a learning experience and winning was not a regular thing at the time. Phil became known at the 2000 WSOP when he achieved two final tables and came away with his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, 500 Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he defeated many of the better known pros including but not limited to "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
He decided to take his skills to the successive level and headed out west to Sin City. He continues to play in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Ivey credits his success to hard work and a continuing love for the game of poker. Phil states that he is picking up skills every single day and is quite abashed about his accomplishments. He admits to making blunders in each game of poker and constantly strives to get better.
Despite the fact that Phil has come first in some big tournaments, he prefers destroying money games on a regular basis.